The organisers of the Global Sourcing Expo, Australia’s first and only truly global wholesale sourcing show, are pleased to announce the release of the much-anticipated Global Sourcing Seminar Program for their upcoming Sydney show.
Running on all three days of Global Sourcing Expo Sydney, from 12-14 June 2024 at the Sydney International Convention Centre, these sessions promote innovation and expert trend forecasting. The 2024 program is bigger and better than ever, and includes industry mavericks such as Natalie Xenita, Vice President of IMG Fashion Events (organisers of Australian Fashion Week), Fleur Brown, Chief Industry Affairs Officer of the Australian Retailers Association and Bridget Veals from David Jones leading a panel on Indigenous Fashion Projects.
“Each session is designed to equip attendees with the latest insights and knowledge across fashion, trends, sustainability, marketing, sourcing, and the supply chain,” Marie Kinsella, CEO, International Expo Group, organisers of the Global Sourcing Expo.
“We have taken care to spotlight a wide variety of topics that represent the multi-faceted and complex world of global sourcing, with diverse discussions that range from ‘Social Compliance Audit Fatigue in Factories,’ (presented by Bonnic Chung of WRAP) to ‘Insights on How to Present Your Collection to International Fashion Buyers,’ presented by Jude Kingston of Mind Your Fashion,” she adds. “These sessions are intended to be practical, with implementable advice from speakers who have spent decades mastering their craft and will serve as a guiding light on any attendee’s unique sourcing journey.”
Spotlight on Australian voices
As the name suggests, the Global Sourcing Seminars are designed to reflect the global issues facing the sourcing industry, but also covers the wide array of opportunities presented by the booming Australian market, as illustrated by the following sessions:
Australian Retail Outlook – Performance, Trends and Predictions | 12 June 2024, 10:00-11:00am
Fleur Brown, Chief Industry Affairs Officer, Australian Retailers Association (ARA)
This presentation is a guide to navigating the dynamic Australian retail landscape, providing essential knowledge for industry professionals. Gain a strategic advantage by understanding key retail metrics, emerging trends, and expert forecasts.
Indigenous Fashion Projects: Bridging Cultures, Creating Opportunities | 12 June 2024, 2:30-3:30pm
Bridget Veals, David Jones & Michelle Maynard, Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation Ltd, along with other industry experts and brands
This panel discussion explores the groundbreaking IFP Pathways Program that was launched by Australian department store chain David Jones in 2020 in collaboration with the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation’s Indigenous Fashion Projects initiative.
Australian Fashion Week Through the Eyes of the Executive | 12 June 2024, 3:45-4:30pm
Natalie Xenita, Vice President-Managing Director, APAC, IMG Fashion Events
An insider perspective on Australian Fashion Week, the work that goes into the event’s production each year, and the strategies and challenges involved. This session will also highlight the selection criteria for participating designers and many other fascinating aspects of APACs most high-profile fashion event.
The increasing role of technology in global sourcing
The sourcing industry is undergoing a profound shift, spearheaded by technological advances in product labelling and supply chain tracing. With Artificial Intelligence dominating the conversation, these sessions are designed to cut through the jargon and keep attendees ahead of the curve:
AI Risks and Opportunities | 12 June 2024, 1:00-2:00pm
Shariqa Mestroni, Special Counsel, James Hoy, Special Counsel, Jessica Laverty, Senior Associate, Bird & Bird
Like any disruptive technology, the rise of generative AI has unleashed a wave of opportunities and challenges for individuals and businesses alike. The panellists will look at the key challenges that generative AI poses to brand creators and brand owners in Australia and share strategies for mitigating the risks.
The Digital Product Passport is Coming | 13 June 2024, 11:30-12:30pm
Melinda Tually, Director Ndless: The New Normal, Strategic Human Rights & Sustainability Consultancy, along with industry expert panellists
By 2030, all textile products for sale in the EU need to contain a Digital Product Passport (DPP), containing an unprecedented amount of environmental impact data. Join this session to learn how to determine your readiness for compliance with this sweeping change.
Sustainability Tracing in the Supply Chain | 14 June 2024, 10:00-11:00am
Evelyn Gibson, Partnerships Lead, World Fashion Exchange
This session will delve into strategies for fostering collaboration among Brands, Manufacturers and Forwarders, with a strong emphasis on integrating technology into supply chain management and promoting sustainable production practices.
Keeping Corporate Social Responsibility at the forefront
From considered design practices to ethical sourcing, conscious fashion, sustainability, clothing circularity and fair wages, these Global Sourcing Seminars will guide attendees through responsible sourcing practices and becoming a purpose-led brand:
Navigating the Conscious Fashion Evolution | 12 June 2024, 11:30-12:30pm
Elizabeth Formosa, Founder, Fashioned Equipped & Dr Vaibhav Gaikward, Head of Sustainability at ELK
In this session our panellists will explore the ever-changing landscape of conscious fashion, where each choice becomes a step forward in a transformative journey. You’re sure to gain valuable insights that will support your implementation of a more sustainable future.
Seamless – Changing the Way We Design, Consume and Recycle Clothing | 13 June 2024, 10:00-11:00am
Ainsley Simpson, CEO of Seamless joined by key brands and stakeholders
Ainsley will team up with pivotal Seamless brands and stakeholders on a dynamic panel, unveiling the extensive groundwork accomplished in recent months, to gear up for the scheme’s full operational launch.
Circular Fashion – Moving from Ambition to Implementation | 13 June 2024, 1:00-2:00pm
Rosanna Iacono, CEO, The Growth Activists
This practical guide to Circular Fashion will give participants valuable resources and actionable next steps to kickstart their business’s circular journey, while becoming a force for positive change in the industry.
Pursuing Social Justice: The Impact of the Living Wage Movement | 13 June 2024, 2:30-3:30pm
James Bartle, CEO, Outland Denim, along with industry expert panellists
In an era marked by growing economic disparities and social inequalities, the Living Wage movement stands as a beacon of hope for equitable labour practices and fair wages. In this session, James Bartle will share first-hand experiences and reflections on implementing the Living Wage within his company, joined by expert panellists to discuss this important initiative.
About the Global Sourcing Expo Sydney 2024
Global Sourcing Expos Sydney and Melbourne provide a dedicated show platform to connect global manufacturers, producers, service providers and fashion labels with trade buyers and industry professionals from Australia, New Zealand and beyond.
The Show will feature 500+ world-class exhibitors in the categories of apparel, accessories, homeware and textiles. As one of the only shows in Australia to directly target wholesale and retail buying groups, this is an ideal opportunity to enter the Australian market.
“The Global Sourcing Expo connects the world!”
When and Where for Sydney Show: Wednesday 12 – Friday 14 June 2024, International Convention Centre, Sydney, Australia.
When and Where for Melbourne Show: 19-21 November 2024, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
